Arvind Kejriwal questions Centre over not buying cheap Russian, Iranian oil as fuel prices hiked
Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre over the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices, questioning why India was not importing cheaper oil and gas from Russia and Iran despite both countries being willing to supply fuel at lower rates.
In a post on X, Kejriwal said the repeated increase in fuel prices was adding to the financial burden on people already struggling with inflation.
“Oil prices have risen again. Yet we are still not buying cheap oil from Russia and Iran. What is Modi's such compulsion?” Kejriwal wrote.
The remarks came after state-run oil companies increased petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in less than two weeks. Fuel prices have risen by nearly ₹7.5 to ₹8 per litre during the period.
In a video message, the former Delhi Chief Minister claimed that while fuel prices in many countries increased by around ₹2.5 on average, Indian consumers were facing a much steeper rise.
“Currently, 1.4 billion people are suffering. They are struggling to manage their household expenses. Inflation has skyrocketed,” he said.
Kejriwal argued that importing oil and gas from Russia and Iran at lower prices could reduce the burden on Indian citizens and help control inflation.
He further claimed that both Russia and Iran were ready to provide India with sufficient quantities of cheaper fuel. Questioning the Centre’s approach, he asked what was preventing the government from taking advantage of these offers.
“When citizens are demanding it, and these countries are offering cheap and ample supplies, what are the constraints preventing the Prime Minister from buying oil and gas from Russia and Iran?” he asked.
The AAP leader also referred to a public poll he had conducted, claiming that nearly 97 per cent of respondents supported importing cheaper fuel from Russia and Iran.
The latest fuel price hike comes amid continued volatility in global crude oil markets and tensions in West Asia, which have impacted international energy supplies and domestic fuel prices.
